The Washington critic., 1887-07-16
L0VEL Y SUBURBAN HOMESTEADS
Rest and Comfort In Easy Reach
Homesteads at Reasonable Prices
A Charming Spot,


Homesteads at Reasonable Prices
A Charming spot.
Until very recently II has been notable
fact that while every other city In the Union
OF any considerable size has its delightful
suburban resorts, the surroundings OF the
Capital OF the Nation had not been i'm
proved by private enterprise. But this Is
rapidly being changed, aud the suburbs OF
Washington, than which nothing In nature
can be more lovely, are being beautiiled
under the touches Of nrt, until, like the
Capital itself, they will compare favorably
with those OF any city In America. The
drives out Of Washington, in every direc-
tion. lead to scenes Of enchanting beauty,
and handsome suburban residences dot the
landscape at every turn,
And why should not the suburbs OF such
city as Washington be beautifed and
sought for residences? Washington-con-
fessedly the most beautiful city In America
to-day deserves to have her suburbs ini-
proved, and her charming resorts will pe
more and more sought for, and coun ~
homes VIII be secured by the masses W. N
1t is fully understood that not only on "
gieDic, but on economic grounds such ST.
Elements are possible.
just now there seems to be special In r.
estin suburban property, which, while 1T utiy
continue not uninterrupted in the intensity
which now characterizes II, will be suf-
ficiently strong to draw attention to the
rest, comfort and health which cannot be
found In the crowded city, and then 1t will
settle into q steady, quiet and, possibly,
more healtbful tendency to exchange the
town for the country, at least during the
summer months OF the year. The fact that
health, comfort and happiness may be OBJ
tained at less cost than is necessary to
maintain city residence, materially
strengthens the belief In the future OF the
suburbs Of Washington.
The writer accepted the invitation OF an
admlrer OF one Of the most beautiful of
Washington's suburbs, and one afternoon
this week visited and explored
TAKoMA PARK.
The eloquence Of Takoma's champion
had prepared the way for scene OF lowell
ness, but hours were passed In walking and
riding over the eight miles of graded,
graveled streets and avenues, in inspecting
the sixty or more fine residences, in lnhaliDg
the odor from the pines, In enjoying the
luxurious shade Of poplars, chestnuts,
r to the carols Of the birds, in following for a
mile or two the course OF the ripping
stream, which winds Its way, tossing and
plunging over rocks and crags In its arbor-
crowned or forest-arched passage to the
sea.
a little child that all alone
Comes yenturing down the stairs of stone,
ltrtsolute and trembling;
Later
Out of the forest, dark and dread,
II fled
Like one pursued and haunted"
All this, which had been portrayed In
language so emphatic that there seemed to
be no room for doubt, became impressive as
1t was realized; for personal observation of
scenes so charming arouses enthusiasm in
the hearts OF the beholders that no descrip-
tion however vivid can incite. There was a
grandeur about the surroundings that beg
gars description, and 1t was with reluctance
that the scene Of loyellness was left for a
return TO the brick walls and heated pave
ments of the busy town.
But as Takoma Park has never been ad
vertised In the newspapers, and as Its beau
ties and facilities are comparatively un-
known to the vast majority of our citizens,
few words, by way of description, may
not be inappropriate.
WHERE IS TAKoMA PARK?
TAX oma Park Ia situated little over five
miles north OF the city, upon the Metrepoli-
tan Branch Of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail
road. 1t lies on both sides of the railroad,
q portion of 1t being in Maryland Mont.
gomery County,, and the remainder In the
District Of Columbia. 1t lies $50 feet above
the level Of Washington city, while the
elevation Of the surrounding country gives
to 1t complete and natural drainage.
PURE WATER.
The first thing our host did, on reaching
Takoma Park, was 10 invite us to take
glass of spring water. This water Is
Crystalline In its clearness, and, while 1t is
not claimed that 1t has medicinal qualities,
1t is fact that many invalids have been
greatly benefited by Its use. 1t is simply
pure. In digging wells at Takoma Park,
after penetrating the surface some feet,
stratum OF fine terra-cotta clay is met;
Immediately under this Is layer of white
gravel, which becomes finer as the well Is
deepened, until 1t results in white sand,
where water is obtained In inexhaustible
quantity The stratum Of clay renders It
impossible for any surface water to pene-
trate to the fountain OF the we'll. Wells
have been sunk In all parts OF Takoma
Park, with the most satisfactory results.
IMPROVEMENTS AT TAKoMA PARK.
The improvements tina, have been made at
have been marvellous. The territory was
subdlvided into spacious lots, with conve-
nient streets and avenues between. The
lots have frontage of fifty feet and
depth Of two hundred to three hundred
feet The streets and avenues are forty to
fifty feet In width, with a space on either
side OF twelve feet for parking and walks,
Tbep, too, the building regulations pro-
yides that each house shall stand back
forty feet from the line OF the Sidewalk
leaving, consequently, all told, a space OF
one hundred and twenty feet between the
building lines. The visitor is struck with
the finished appearance of the streets,
| gangs Of men being kept constantly at
work in rolling and keeping them in order.
| The buildings are all substantial and many
| OF them beautiful. Several houses will be
| erected during the present season. Those
already there take pride In beautfying their
surroundings by well-kcpt lawns, llDwer-
beds, setting out hedges and making vege'
table gardens, a sort of rivalry existing on
this subject.
A COOL SPOT.
The difference in temperature between
Takoma Park and the city is marked. The
abundant shade makes MONDAY endurable,
while, as sunset approaches, the air Is de.
lghtfully cool Hot nights are unknown,
and this fact alone is a strong indueement
for the man of business, the lawyer mer-
chant or clerk, whose close application dur
Ing the dOy renders 1t desirable that he en-
| joy refreshing sleep that he may prepare
| for the duties OF the following day.
The shade referred to demands IN )re than
| passing notice, While tue growth OF the
timber Ia not large, 1t is Of sHlllaient size to
| produce abundant protection from the SUMS
rays, and Is one of the prlncipAl charms Of
| the Park, No one viewing the grand forest
| trees extending rs far as the eye eau reach
| would Imagine himself 70 near a populous